Here's a great freebie for the kids.

Take them to the Lego store at Crabtree Valley Mall in Raleigh to build a free mini model.

The fun starts at 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 3, while supplies last so you might want to get there early.

This month's model is a miniature duck.

The mini model build is open to kids ages 6 to 14. Click here for more details.

Keep your kids busy for free with the help of upcoming events at local Home Depot and Lowes Home Improvement stores and the Lego Store at Crabtree Valley Mall.

First up, mark your calendar for the Home Depot Kids Workshop this Saturday, March 3. From 9 a.m. to noon, kids ages 5 to 12 are invited to build a race car and learn tool safety.

The kids will also receive a free apron, pin and certificate.
Click here for more details on the kids' workshops, which are held the first Saturday of every month.

Next up, the Lego Store at Crabtree Valley Mall will hold its next Mini Model Build on Tuesday, March 6.

Lego fans ages 6 to 14 are invited to make a free miniature model. The build begins at 5 p.m. and continues while supplies last. This month's free miniature figurine is a Lego garden, complete with snake.

Looking ahead to next Saturday, March 10, Lowes Home Improvement will hold its next Build and Grow Clinic for children in first through fifth grades.

The project is a "carnival hoops" game. It looks like a miniature basketball goal with its own mini ball. The first 50 children present receive the building kits, aprons and safety goggles. Sign up online here.

If you've got a Lego lover in the family, take them to the Lego store at Crabtree Valley Mall in Raleigh for an opportunity to build a free mini model.

We get more than 1,400 letters a month and have room to print fewer than 280. Sometimes we move letters into the publishing pipeline only to have them overrun by other things. Here are some of those letters, including some good ones on health care and one on bubble wrap.

Two more endurance races scheduled in local series.

Connection to Umstead still up-in-the-air as is get dotted, ts crossed.